Middle Tennessee Electric Co-Sponsors Exhibit at Smyrna Outdoor Activity Center

Middle Tennessee Electric (MTE) is proud to co-sponsor the Thomas Edison Secret Lab exhibit with the Tennessee Valley Authority at the Town of Smyrna Outdoor Activity Center (SOAC). This 1800 sq. ft. traveling exhibit experience explores the fascinating ways science shapes our everyday lives.

The exhibit runs through Jan. 8, 2023, and provides hands-on experiments for K-8th grade students related to electricity, magnetism, optics, sound waves and air pressure. It is full of science facts and hands-on activities showcasing scientific inquiry, creativity and collaboration. MTE is hosting three events at SOAC over the next few weeks:

• Saturday, Nov.19 – MTE’s Electric Griddle will be on-site from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to provide free grilled cheese sandwiches. Representatives from United Communications will also be present.
• Saturday, Dec. 3 – MTE’s Energy Service Coordinators will be answering questions from members about energy efficiency from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They will also conduct two workshops for adults, where participants can learn about the Home Uplift Program and winter energy-saving tips. The workshops will be held at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Admission to SOAC will be free on this day for both children and adults.
• Wednesday, Dec. 21 – MTE will host Ben Franklin’s Electric Party, performed by actor Neil Spencer. Hear Benjamin Franklin share the excitement of his electrical experiments in this live theater performance and hands-on workshop presentation. With the help of student volunteers, Franklin explains the interaction of positive, negative and neutral charges and reenacts his famous kite experiment. Students become scientists as they participate in the Static Electricity Challenge. Performance times are 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.

The exhibit and a 40-minute climb time are included with SOAC admission. The SOAC is located at 100 Sam Ridley Parkway E. and will be open Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. SOAC admission is $7.00 per adult (ages 13-54), $4.00 (ages 55+ ) and $5.00 per child (ages 2-12); children younger than 2 are free. More information is available at SmyrnaOutdoorAdventureCenter.org or by calling (615) 459-9710.

SOAC is part of the Smyrna Parks and Recreation Department. The SOAC programmers specialize in developing and presenting a variety of environmental education, recreational and outreach programs for all ages.